Day 3 - Transfer to Seville. A brief overview of the city is followed by lunch and a walking tour of the city. In the evening, an optional bullfight at Seville's impressive Plaza de Toros. (Seville)

Day 4 - Day at leisure to enjoy Seville. Optional trip to Jerez, heart of sherry country, for a wine tasting at one of the spectacular wineries. Evening at leisure in Seville. (Seville)

Day 5 - Transfer to Granada, city of Moors and Catholic kings. Along the way, stop for lunch in the historic town of Antequera, just north of the spectacular El Torcal Park. (Granada)

Day 6 - Day in Granada. Visit to the Alhambra, the 12th century Moorish palace and fortress. In the evening, a dinner and flamenco show. (Granada)

Day 7 - Travel up to Madrid via Cordoba, ancient home to the Caliphs of the Moorish empire, and the majestic Mesquita. Evening farewell dinner in Madrid. (Madrid)

Day 8 - Transfer to airport, hotel or port.

The price includes:

Private guided tours as per itinerary.
A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availability.
Transfers to and from the airport.
All hotel accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona.
All transportation as specified in itinerary.
11 Meals (7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners)
All entrance fees on itinerary.

Many people have asked us about staying in the Parador hotels around Spain, combining luxury with affordability. Staying in a Parador is not just the treatment you would expect for a 4-star hotel, with large, comfortable room and excellent service, it is much more. Most of the hotels are strategically located throughout all of Spain, in exquisite locations and always surrounded by the best of the natural environment of the region, or else close to, and often in, historically significant places that offer a true slice of Spain. In fact, the hotels themselves are sometimes architechtural gems. Between the key locations and the beauty of the places and the hotels, from The Spanish Touch we offer tours that run throughout Spain incorporating the Parador hotels:

Day 1 - Arrive in Barcelona. Transfer to hotel. After lunch, take a walking tour around the area to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. An evening drink and brief overview of your itinerary at your hotel will be followed by dinner. (Dinner)

Day 2 - Breakfast at hotel. Tour the Heart of Barcelona, including La Pedrera and Casa Battlo, the Plaza Catalunya, and the world-famous Las Ramblas. After lunch, take in the famous Barrio Gotic, one of the best preserved examples of the gothic times. Perhaps stop in for an afternoon coffee and chocolate stop near Fargas, the oldest and most beloved chocolate shop in the city. Evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 3 - Breakfast at hotel. Morning tour of the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, the two most admired masterpieces of Gaudi. After lunch, we head up to Montjuic Palace, visit the Olympic Stadium and the Poble Espanyol, where an optional Flamenco dinner show can be taken in. And after the show, why not check out a different show: the Magic Fountains of Montjuic. (Breakfast)

Day 4 - Breakfast at hotel. Morning trip up to Montserrat Mountain, including a visit to the Monastery, and take a cable car up to the top of the mountain. After lunch, take an excursion into wine country, where you can tour a classic artisan winery and see how they make the famous Spanish Cava. Enjoy a dinner with wine in the region. (Breakfast)

Day 5 - Breakfast at hotel. Transfer up to the ancient city of Girona for a tour which includes, the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths, and the 11th century Cathedral. After lunch in the old city, visit the town of Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali. Visit Dali's one-of-a-kind Theater-Museum of Dali. In the Evening, dine in the old city charm of Girona.Night in Girona. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 - Breakfast at hotel. Morning trip up to Besalu, an classic medieval town. Continue up the Nuria Valley, nestled into the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. Night in the Pyrenees. (Breakfast)

Day 7 - Breakfast at hotel. Take a morning trip out to the Costa Brava town of Cadaques, a splendid example of the Catalonia coast, and home to the medieval castle now known as the Casa-Museu Dali. Lunch at a seaside restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at the beach, or pay a visit to the Centre D'art de Perrot-Moore. In the evening, head back to Barcelona. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 8 - Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure in Barcelona. Why not visit the Olympic Village of Barcelona, or visit the Arc de Triumf and have a coffee in one the squares in the Gracia district. In the evening, meet for a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 - Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport.

The price includes:

A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availability.
Transfers to and from the airport.
All hotel accommodation in Barcelona and Girona, as specified in the itinerary.
Intercity transportation as specified.
11 Meals (7 breakfast, 1 lunch, 3 dinners)
All entrance fees on itinerary.

Day 1 - Arrive in Barcelona. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy an evening stroll around the city center, and a welcome dinner where we will review your tour itinerary.

Day 2- Morning tour of Barcelona, including the Gothic neighborhood, the world-famous Las Ramblas, and the Maremagnum port area. In the afternoon, visit the Sagrada Familia church and spend some time wandering through Park Guell.

Day 3 - Morning trip to Montserrat, including a visit to the Monastery and the Santa Cova. In the afternoon, perhaps take a trip into wine country to visit a winery and enjoy some Cava, Spain´s sparkling wine.

Day 4 - This morning, head up to Girona and walk around the old Roman walls and the 11th century Cathedral. After lunch, head over to the town of La Seu D’urgell, one of the most important Catalonian towns in the Middle Ages, famous for its spectacular Romanesque churches and Cathderal. Night in La Seu D’Urgell.

Day 5 - Take a trip across to the natural park of Ordesa National Park, and enjoy the day walking the trails. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.

Day 6 - Moving across the country, we head toward the famous town of Pamplona, where the famous Running of the Bulls takes place. Stop in one of the picturesque towns along the way for lunch. Spent the night in Pamplona.

Day 7 - Today, head up the coast toward the border town of San Sebastian, and enjoy the afternoon in this charming fishing town. Late evening arrival in Bilbao.

Day 8 - Morning tour the city of Bilbao, visiting its many fascinating sites, including the Guggenheim Museum. Afternoon at leisure or take an optional excursion to one of the Basque country’s fascinating villages.

Day 9 - Transfer to Bilbao airport for return flight to the USA.

The price includes:

A bilingual Spanish Touch tour guide with 24-hour availability. Transfers to and from the airport. All hotel accommodation in Barcelona, La Seu D’urgell, Pamplona and Bilbao as per itinerary. All transportation as specified in itinerary. Meals as per itinerary Private guided tours as per itinerary.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The Aqua Park "Siam Park", located in Tenerife (Canary Islands) is one of the big new features that the island offers for 2008. The Aqua Park combines the most advanced technology with the exotic mistery of the old Siam kingdom. The adventure is available for all visitors, regardless of age. Children will enjoy areas specially created for them like “La Ciudad Perdida” ("The lost city"). Visitors willing to test their speed have the “Naga Racer”, the best way to enjoy a family water tobogan race.

If you want to know more about Tenerife and the Canary Islands, please contact us.

From July 4th to 18th Córdoba is going to be a major international guitar meeting point. Flamenco guitar music, together with jazz and the modern guitar are the stars of the show. Some of the most noteworthy musical guests include Paco de Lucía, Vicente Amigo, and many others. In addition to concerts and shows, there is also a workshop program. Some of the courses available for open participation iclude: guitar-making, flamenco dancing and singing, and of course, guitar classes in the various styles present at the festival.

If you are interested in an Andalusia Tour we can also include this festival in your itinerary or others festivals and celebrations. Just contact us for more information about possible Spain and Andalusia itineraries and the Guitar Festival in Córdoba.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Last Monday night, the 23rd of June, once more played host to a raucous, vivacious party throughout all of Spain, and especially along the coastline: the San Juan Festival. While the best way to understand this festival is to experience it live, here are some pictures to give you an idea. The night is filled with fireworks, the beaches lit up with bonfires and the party to welcome in the summer can easily last until daybreak. Along the coast, it is typical for whole families to celebrate on the beach, with friends and neighbors. When attending the dinner, it is also important not to forget to bring dessert, the "Coca de San Juan". This fruitcake-like dish is served with candied fruit, or nuts, or both. And to accompany it, remember to bring your Spanish Moscatel or Cava.

The following day, the Day of San Juan, is a National holiday, and although adults and children alike have watched and set off uncountable fireworks and firecrackers the previous night, most people take advantage of the free time to enjoy a relaxing day in the open air, in a truly Spanish welcoming of the season.

From July 1 to August 24 we have a date in Madrid: the "Veranos de la Villa" Festival, which has been celebrated for the past 23 years as a way of welcoming in the summer. More than 180 shows including music, dance, theater, flamenco, cinema and circus acts will be open to the public and showing in places like Sabatini Gardens, el Teatro Español or the Conde Duque Cultural Center. Some of the most anticipated acts are Diana Krall, Gloria Gaynor and Crowded House.

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information about this summer tradition and see how we can help make your trip to Spain unforgettable!

Sunday, June 08, 2008

On the 21st of June, in what is now an annual event, one of the most important events for cycling enthusiasts in all of Spain takes place: “La Quebrantahuesos 2008”, the bone-breaker. Cyclists from around the world will go 204 km climbing from the ports of Somport, Marie Blanc, Portalet and Puerto de Hoz. At the same time celebrations will be going on with tributes to great cycling legends, expositions, demonstrations, etc. For those who are not as accustomed to long bike journeys, the last few years have offered an alternative, 90 km course on the same day, which also starts and ends in Sabiñánigo.

From the Spanish touch we can recommend this race not only for cycling fans but also for everyone who loves nature as well. The Alto Gállego region, situated close to the Pyrenees offers some spectacular panoramic views and will certainly leave everyone who sees it wanting more.

From June 27 to the 29th, the Second Annual Jean Leon Wine Festival will be held at the Jean Leon estate in the Penedes region of Spain. A little over an hour from the center of Barcelona, the winery was founded by the legendary owner of the La Scala restaurant in Hollywood. The estate now produces some of the best wines in the region, maintaining a quality control above and beyond the already high requirements of the Penedes D.O.

The Festival is a chance to explore the culture of the region, its gastronomy, and recognize the acheivements of the man, Jean Leon. Oh yes, and it wouldn’t be complete without an outstanding opportunity to sample the wines from Bodegas Jean Leon.